When I mentioned to friends that I was moving to Orlando, the first question I got was, "Is it safe there?"

Many people were already aware that Orlando's reputation for safety isn't great, despite its image as a tourist city. I will discuss the reality of the situation, which areas are dangerous, and which ones are relatively safe.

Statistically, the crime rate in the city of Orlando is higher than the national average. According to FBI crime statistics, the violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Orlando exceeds the national average. However, it's important not to judge Orlando as a whole. There is a significant variation in crime rates even within the Orlando metropolitan area. Within Orange County, for example, there is a stark contrast between high-risk areas like Pine Hills and low-risk areas like Doctor Phillips or Lake Nona.

Pine Hills is consistently mentioned as the most unsafe area in Orlando. Gun-related incidents are frequent, and crimes such as robbery, car theft, and drug-related offenses are concentrated there. Residents sometimes directly warn outsiders by saying, "Be careful in Pine Hills." The Parramore area, adjacent to downtown Orlando, is a low-income residential area known for its high crime rate. Although it's close to downtown, it's better to avoid these two areas.

In contrast, the entire Seminole County area (including Lake Mary, Oviedo, and Winter Springs) is considered relatively safe within the Orlando metropolitan area. The population has a higher income level, police patrols are active, and community participation is high. Areas like Doctor Phillips, MetroWest, Lake Nona, Windermere, and Winter Park also have a good sense of safety. The Longwood and Casselberry areas, where the Korean community is concentrated, are also relatively safe.

Tourist hotspots like International Drive (I-Drive) and areas near Disney experience crimes targeting tourists, such as pickpocketing and theft from rental cars. Leaving luggage or valuables in rental cars is not advisable anywhere, but extra caution is needed near I-Drive. Locals also make it a habit to ensure that nothing is visible inside their cars when parked in tourist area parking lots.

We also need to talk realistically about nighttime safety. The area around Orange Avenue and Church Street in downtown Orlando is crowded with bars and nightclubs on Friday and Saturday nights, leading to disturbances related to alcohol and occasional fights. Caution is necessary when walking alone or moving through this area late at night. Given the limited public transportation in Orlando, using Uber or Lyft is much safer for nighttime travel.

The perceived level of safety in the Korean community varies significantly depending on the residential area. Those living in Seminole County generally feel safe, while those in certain areas of Osceola County or Orange County report being more cautious about nighttime travel and parking management. Crime statistics for addresses being considered before moving can be checked on sites like NeighborhoodScout.com or CrimeMapping.com. These sites visually show the types and frequencies of recent crime incidents around specific addresses, so it's advisable to check before deciding on a residence.